The U.S. Department of Energy and Microsoft on Tuesday announced a partnership to develop artificial-intelligence tools aimed at helping first-responders better react to fast-changing natural events, such as floods and wildfires. From a report: "There are just so many technologies where we can solve some of the toughest problems, in a moment where we're having an explosion of wildfires and floods and some really major natural disasters," said Cheryl Ingstad, director of the Energy Department's Artificial Intelligence and Technology Office. "And we think we can bring AI to bear here and help save lives." The First Five Consortium, a nod to the importance of the first five minutes in responding to a natural disaster, aims to build between 10 and 30 different AI-powered systems. Microsoft will provide technological resources, including its Azure cloud for AI model training and inference.

The First Five Consortium, a nod to the importance of the first five minutes in responding to a natural disaster, aims to build between 10 and 30 different AI-powered systems. Microsoft will provide technological resources, including its Azure cloud for AI model training and inference. Other organizations, including public- and private-sector entities, are expected to participate. The Morning Download delivers daily insights and news on business technology from the CIO Journal team. The announcement comes as California confronts another summer of raging wildfires, while Iowa reels from devastating windstorms.